Universities: Antisemitism

(asked on 4th July 2025) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to StandWithUs UK Report Voice of Students 2024/25, published on 7 May, what steps they are taking to support Jewish university students following increases in incidents of antisemitism on campuses.


Answered by
Baroness Smith of Malvern Portrait
Baroness Smith of Malvern
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
This question was answered on 18th July 2025

The government is deeply concerned by the findings of the StandWithUs UK report.

Antisemitism is unacceptable, and universities must have robust policies and processes in place for preventing and tackling it. Whilst it is entirely right that universities protect freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus, this does not extend to hate, harassment or incitement. Last month, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education met with Vice Chancellors to discuss what more could be done to address the continued unacceptable level of antisemitism on our campuses.

From August 2025, the Office for Students’ (OfS) new condition of registration for preventing, addressing and investigating incidents of harassment will take effect and universities will be held to account for their action. Furthermore, under the Prevent duty, the OfS monitors and evaluates whether universities and other higher education (HE) providers have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The government is also investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education, including support for Jewish student welfare in HE, and remains committed to ensuring that all students can study in safety and dignity.

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